The following is an excerpt from Contemporary Landscape Photography by Carl Heilman II (Amphoto Books, $24.99, paperback, published June 2010). In his first instructional book, Heilman II shares his experiences and techniques in capturing stunning landscape images. With nearly 300 color photos, this illustrated guide is a complete course in taking pro-caliber images of both urban and natural...

Growing up there were few books in my house—I learned to read from newspapers—and the only one I remember seeing was my Dad’s copy of Richard Henry Dana, Jr.’s Two Years Before the Mast.

Editor’s Note: Steve Sint has been making portraits for as long as I’ve known him, which is a long time, and his latest book contains a host of great tips and techniques from the many years he has been at his craft. Here’s a sampling from this beautiful 220-plus page book.

Digital Portrait Photography: Art, Business & Style by Steve Sint; $24.95;...

Agent Provocateur
The Minox subminiature camera was invented in 1936 by Walter Zapp, a German living in Estonia (this modern Estonian stamp celebrates Zapp’s original patent). Unable to get it manufactured locally, he eventually established production in neighboring Latvia, but during World War II the factory was overrun, once by German forces and twice by the Russians. Production resumed in former West Germany in 1948, by which time the Minox had become the preferred equipment of real or imagined espionage agents worldwide. Grasping the attached measuring chain, the spy in a hurry could extend it to touch the secret item, shoot without using the viewfinder, and be assured of a sharp copy of, for example, an A4 or 8 1/2 x 11 inch document. The Minox uses specially cut, unsprocketed film which is advanced each time the case is closed, an action which also protects the viewfinder and lens.